I wish I had something deeply meaningful and profound to say on this last day of 2008, but that would require thought and effort.
Last night I saw an interview with a psychologist on the local news and he suggested that the best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions is to set short-term, specific goals. So, with that in mind, my goal for the New Year is to take down my Christmas decorations at some point over the upcoming weekend.
I’ll let you know how that goes and if you happen to see a Christmas tree in the background of some of my pictures come March, you’ll know it didn’t work out for me.
In the meantime, let’s do a quick look back at 2008 because it’s not a cliche at all to pull out a year-end top ten list. It’s fresh and original.
1. My only child started Kindergarten and I survived, although I did spend a few days walking the aisles of HEB crying a few tears.
2. We learned that acupuncture doesn’t necessarily work for everyone.
3. If you start your New Year with a raging case of the flu, you have nowhere to go but up and a year later you’ll forget how horrible you felt and instead remember it as a lovely week of vacation from all responsibility.
4. The internet is never more supportive than when you share the history of your hair. There isn’t a woman alive who hasn’t experience deep hair remorse at some point in her life.
5. Your own child can often be your biggest fashion critic and even offer up prayers on your behalf.
6. I learned that God doesn’t just generically know me, He really knows me. He knows my name.
7. After ten years of marriage, I discovered P’s deep dark secret. He likes to hoard car wash supplies.
8. I worried that we might have to perform plastic surgery on a homemade puppet.
9. There was a lot of time spent looking for red boots for a Wonder Woman costume.
10. Six days in the Dominican Republic with Compassion International changed my life and my perspective forever. And one little girl in particular just broke my heart and is in my prayers every day.
I believe that’s what those in the industry would call a wrap.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by here during the last year. It wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without y’all.
Happy New Year!
That is a super recap. Is there a wrap party? Can I come?
I too did a sort of review of my bloggy year, including photos.
Hugs and prayers for 2009 from Northern Ireland.
……..can you go back and get her? Is she adoptable? Is that a word?
And this is the year I met Big Mama. Who has made me laugh and made me cry and is one of the first friends I’ve had who doesn’t know me. LOL. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
I second what Beverlydru says!
Thank you for your blog!
Happy 2009!
And the year would not have as much fun with out you.
I love your blog….
Enjoy 09 !
I met you and Boo Mama this year through Annie. It’s been fun. I love getting a good laugh when I read your blog.
Hope 2009 is everything you wish it to be.
Happy New Year Big Mama!
And by the way–the earring prayer post cracked me up. Too stinkin’ funny. : )
You had some “big” moments this year and handled them with grace, humor and compassion. That says a lot. Hope that 2009 brings you and yours great blessings.
Girl, you could have gone for a top 100!! Your blog is a blast and brings so much laughter. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life and sharing what God has blessed you with throughout the year! One of the highlights of my 2008 was meeting you in San Antonio and attempting to hold in my tears when I hugged your neck! You are such a delight! Many blessings in the coming year, Amy
I enjoy your blog so much!! I could remember every one of those moments on your top ten list.
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year Melanie! Thanks for the laughs, tears and smiles through out the year. Can’t wait to see what 2009 has in store.
Happy New Year Big Mama!
I read you everyday. 
thanks sooooo much for the laughs, tears, and things to think about …. all… year…long ..
have a happy and blessed new year!
Oh gurl… you know i had to click on the hair link… and my, oh my, you are braver than i am. although, sad to say, we had the same hairdo at various times. you just had more of it!
I “third” what Beverlydru said–I discovered Big Mama this year and have looked forward to laughing with her over my morning coffee each day. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us–it’s a bright spot!
Happy New Year Big Mama! Thanks for a great year of laughs from your blog. You helped bring laughter in my life during my 6 long weeks of bed rest and helped me keep my sanity. The Adventures of Caroline are always entertaining. Wishing y’all a wonderful 2009!
I have really enjoyed reading the trials and tribulations of a Texas family. HA! Keep it up I look forward to reading it everyday. Have a great New Year! Looking forward to all your 2009 adventures….
Melanie,
Thank you for sharing your life and the funny things, like hyenas and such. I pray that God will continue to Zeph 3:17 over you, my Sister. You are a mighty warrior and I love to see what God is doing in your life. It makes me smile really big and cheer for your journey.
Thank you, friend, for being such a blessing!
Love you,
Holly
Hee Hee Ha Ha
Those darn goals we set…
My goal is to come up with a Blog
name so I can ramble on about -25
below zero on it and the 13 inches of
snow we got yesterday!!!
Happy New Year Chic
Melanie,
It has been such fun reading your blog this year and getting to “know you” Your, My Name post, still makes me cry as it was a balm to my heart. And brought me to a new understanding.. I so look forward to my visits here in 2009 and what God has in store for you and for us, your readers.
Blessings.
Happy New Year back at cha! I loved going back and reading these post. Since I am a pretty new reader, some of them I had not read and the were so much fun. I must ad, we had two of the same outfit that you wore in those hair shots. How funny is that!
Found your blog while blog hopping. I love how you did the 1inks to past blogs… I really enjoyed the reading. Oh and my little one calls me “big Mama” sometimes too… though because I am getting bigger, I haven’t embraced the name like you have!!
http://elislids.blogspot.com/
The best part of 2008 for me was becoming a single gal again (breaking it off with my boyfriend). I didn’t realize the depth of the good in that decision until time began passing by. I might be 30 and single ringing in the New Year but it’s probably the best New Year’s Eve ever because of the clarity of my life now. I can’t wait for 2009. I feel some really great things on the horizon.
Hope 2009 has great things in store for everyone. Happy New Year!
Have I mentioned how much I love reading your blog?!? Going back and reading some of your older posts had me in stitches (hair remorse, in particular).
Happy New Year!!!
‘Twas a good year despite it all, is what I’m thinking.
Happy Old Year!
Happy New Year Melanie! I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. When I need a good laugh, it’s nice to know you and your funny self are just a click away:-)
Happy new Year, Melanie! I don’t get by here all the time, but wanted to wish you a good one. And to tell you it sure was nice to meet you last June in Atlanta at Deeper Still when I saw you and Sophie hanging out together. Looking forward to another fun year.
How thankful I am that I found you in 2008! Can’t wait to hear about your life in 2009.
Happy New Year!
My 2008 New Years resolution was to wear more striped socks and it was a raving success! …Not to brag or anything, but just make sure you set the bar sort of low when you make your 09 resolutions!
Happy New Year to you! Thank you for a year of smiles and Laughs….God Bless, Pam, South Bend
Such good memories. But where’s the mention of the monstrous pinata? I’ll have to look for that post, I’m sure it would still crack me up!
Happy New Year! Thanks for the laughs…you are my “fun” read every day.
Happy New Year Friend! You provide such a great place to grab a morning coffee or an afternoon Diet Coke & sit down to “chat” with a friend. Thanks for all that you’ve shared! Wishing you a blessed 2009!!!
I am happy to have met you in 08 and I have a feeling I will be seeing you in 09 as well
It’s been a good one…thanks for the laughs in 2008. Looking forward to more in 2009. I’m so glad to have “met” you.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com/2009/01/possibilities.html
I don’t comment much, but I’ve been reading all year. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your (almost always humorous!) perspective on them.
that’s a great wrap-up. i think i can recall almost every post from your titles alone. is that pathetic or impressive? lol!!
Hi,
I have been reading your blog since you went on the Compassion trip. Love your thoughts and usually get a good laugh out of them. The recap was awesome too – a nice highlight of some of your best stuff.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I am a few months new to your blog so I hadn’t read the one about the car cleaning supplies. I swear it’s one of the funniest things I’ve read! Goodness!
Found your blog thru Beth and/or Amanda’s mid-summer and read often, just never comment. However, that hair time line was HYSTERICAL! I am apparently 3-4 years older than you, but I remember all the styles vividly thanks to you! Thanks for such a great laugh! Happy 2009!
I’m glad I found your blog this year! I love following along with your life! You are so blessed!
I’m so glad to have found you! I can see now I have a lot of catching up to do! Great wrap up! Happy New Year!